Rwanda Travel Guide

In Greek Mythology, “Apollo” is the god of knowledge, light, and sun who lives on Mount Olympus. In Rwandan lore, “Appolo,” the driver, the tourist guide, the coachman, and the man … is legendary. Appolo is a man highly regarded in and around Rwanda, indeed almost mythical. Upon entering Rwanda, I kept hearing the name “Appolo,” spoken each time...

Carrying plastic bags is a no-no when entering Rwanda. The border police, when on road travel, will ask you to discard any plastic bags you have and transfer all your stuff in a paper bag or be prepared to throw them in the trash lest you carry them bare. Not to worry though, there are enterprising people selling paper bags at the border, just be...

The New Bikini Tam Tam Beach Club is the best beach bar on Lake Kivu. It is actually more beach than bar, but that is what makes it so good. Essentially it is a beach area with gardens overlooking Lake Kivu. The ‘restaurant’ part of Bikini Tam Tam is mostly plastic tables and chairs stuck in the sand. Don’t worry, they do have covers they put up...

The New Bikini Tam Tam Beach Club is the best beach bar on Lake Kivu. It is actually more beach than bar, but that is what makes it so good. Essentially it is a beach area with gardens overlooking Lake Kivu. The ‘restaurant’ part of Bikini Tam Tam is mostly plastic tables and chairs stuck in the sand. Don’t worry, they do have covers they put up if...

This humble little bakery in Gisenyi makes the absolute BEST Samosas in the entire world! I stopped in just to see what they had on offer and noticed a large basket of samosas in a glass cabinet. I asked for one, expecting a cold, bland snack. Instead I was given a hot, fresh, meat samosa that absolutely exploded with flavour in my mouth. Super...

In the main street in Musanze (formerly known as Ruhangiri) this is a typical Rwanda buffet restaurant with selection of cooked bananas, Cassavas, potatoes and other vegetables.

Well that's a one day track you could to if you are in top shape and acclimatized to the altitude. It's about 10 -12 hours climbing to the Muhabura pick at 4100m, and the air is very thin there. Seriously i believe this is better done in two days but such option does not exist. Don't dream of doing it on the first day you arrive.

You just simply cannot get around paying the $600 for an hour visit with the gorillas. Nor should you. Your money does indeed go to the rangers and park personnel in charge of protecting the Gorillas. Now, I am not a hippy tree-hugging, save-the whales, kind of guy. But, even I know that this is a worthwhile undertaking. If you have seen the video...

Many places in Ruhengeni have only buffet which i am not fond if, the La Paillotte has a italian and french menue, pizza, pasta, baguettes and brochettes. I had a Brochette de Bouef which came with Avocadosalade and Frits, i had also a Baguette with lokal Gouda cheese, both where quite goode.

Visiting the mountain gorillas was an unforgettable experience. There are 18 mountain gorilla groups in Rwanda, 10 of which are visited on a daily basis for 1 hour by 8 tourists each. To protect the gorillas from infection, you do your best to keep 20 feet away, but the gorillas are on the same trails as you are, and will brush by your leg at...

In Greek Mythology, “Apollo” is the god of knowledge, light, and sun who lives on Mount Olympus. In Rwandan lore, “Appolo,” the driver, the tourist guide, the coachman, and the man … is legendary. Appolo is a man highly regarded in and around Rwanda, indeed almost mythical. Upon entering Rwanda, I kept hearing the name “Appolo,” spoken each time...

Carrying plastic bags is a no-no when entering Rwanda. The border police, when on road travel, will ask you to discard any plastic bags you have and transfer all your stuff in a paper bag or be prepared to throw them in the trash lest you carry them bare. Not to worry though, there are enterprising people selling paper bags at the border, just be...